Mahashtami, additionally known as Maha Durgashtami, marks the third day of Durga Puja and is taken into account considered one of its most vital days. The Puja observance on Mahashtami commences with the Mahasnan, adopted by the Shodashopachar Puja, a ritual much like that of Maha Saptami Puja, aside from the Prana Pratishtha, which is carried out solely as soon as on Maha Saptami.
Durga Ashtami: Date And Timings
In keeping with Drik Panchang, Durgashtami on Sunday, October 22, 2023
- Ashtami Tithi Begins – 09:53 PM on Oct 21, 2023
- Ashtami Tithi Ends – 07:58 PM on Oct 22, 2023
Durga Ashtami: Historical past
In sure areas, it’s believed that on today, the goddess Chamunda emerged from Mom Durga’s brow and vanquished Chanda, Munda, and Rakthabija, who have been the demons allied with Mahishasura. The Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami embody the veneration of the 64 Yoginis and the Ashta Shakti or Matrikas, that are the eight fierce types of Goddess Durga. These Ashta Shakti, often known as the Eight Shaktis, maintain numerous interpretations in numerous elements of India, however all of them in the end symbolize totally different manifestations of the highly effective Divine Female power.
The Ashta Shakti revered throughout Durga Puja are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani, and Chamunda.
Durga Ashtami: Rituals
On Mahashtami, 9 small pots are consecrated, and the 9 types of Durga, representing her numerous powers, are invoked into them. All 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga are honored throughout the Mahashtami Puja.
Younger single women, thought to be embodiments of Goddess Durga, are additionally worshipped on today, a apply referred to as Kumari Puja. In lots of areas, Kumari Puja is noticed all through the 9 days of Durga Navratri, however it’s notably emphasised on Mahashtami.
Sandhi Puja:
The legendary Sandhi Puja additionally happens on Mahashtami. This distinctive ritual takes place throughout the juncture of the final 24 minutes of Ashtami Tithi and the primary 24 minutes of Navami Tithi, referred to as the Sandhi Time, which is taken into account probably the most auspicious interval of your complete Durga Puja. Sandhi Puja is the top and probably the most essential side of Durga Puja, typically involving the symbolic providing of Bali, which may embody animal sacrifice. Nonetheless, those that abstain from animal sacrifice go for symbolic choices utilizing greens like bananas, cucumbers, or pumpkins. Within the case of the Brahmin group, the scriptures prohibit any type of animal sacrifice, they usually strictly carry out symbolic Bali. Even on the famend Belur Math in West Bengal, symbolic choices with bananas are performed throughout the Sandhi Puja, and it’s customary to mild 108 earthen lamps throughout this sacred interval.
Sandhi Puja: Date And Timings
In keeping with Drik Panchang, Sandhi Puja on Sunday, October 22, 2023
- Sandhi Puja Muhurat – 07:34 PM to 08:22 PM
- Length – 00 Hours 48 Minutes
